Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Comparison

Comparison of features, performance, design, battery, camera and connectivity between the following smartphones: Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26. The complete information of specifications to decide which to buy.

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Technical data sheets

Basics

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17
Global · 8GB · 256GB · A3520
View datasheet
vs
Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26
Global · 12GB · 256GB
View datasheet
vs

Score

Ki Cost-effective
Score
8.8 Ki Cost-effective
Score
9.3 Ki Cost-effective
Score
Design and Screen score 9.1Design & Materials 8.2Design & Materials
Performance and Hardware score 8.1Performance & Hardware 8.7Performance & Hardware
Camera score 8.3Camera 8.4Camera
Connectivity score 9.2 Connectivity 8.8 Connectivity
Battery score 5.9 Battery 5.6 Battery

User reviews

User score
9.7
29 reviews
--
4 reviews

Technical specifications of the Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Specs stores to buy Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17
Global · 8GB · 256GB · A3520
stores to buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Global · 12GB · 256GB
Inches 6.3" 6.3"
Resolution QHD FHD+
Usable surface 90% useful 90% useful
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Dimensions 71.5 mm
149.6 mm
7.8 mm
71.7 mm
149.6 mm
7.2 mm
Weight 177 g 167 g
Micro A19
Hexa-Core
Exynos 2600
Octa-Core
RAM 8 GB RAM 12 GB RAM
Storage 256 GB 256 GB
AnTuTu 2.239.708
v11
3.145.925
v11
Battery 3692 mAh 4300 mAh
Main Camera 1
48 Mpx · ƒ/1.6
IMX904
2
1
50 Mpx · ƒ/1.8
GN3
2 3
Selfie Camera SELF 18 Mpx · ƒ/1.9 SELF 12 Mpx · ƒ/2.2
Bands
OS iOS 26 Android 16

About this comparison

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, two giants in the industry, Apple and Samsung, have released their latest high-end models, the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26. With cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, these smartphones are sure to impress even the most discerning tech enthusiasts.

Let's start with the Apple iPhone 17, the latest offering from the tech giant Apple. Released in September 2025, the iPhone 17 boasts a stunning design with a sleek aluminium alloy body. The device features a large 6.30-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1206x2622 (QHD), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a peak brightness of 1000 cd/m². The screen also supports HDR10+ for stunning visuals.

In terms of audio, the iPhone 17 comes equipped with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and a noise cancellation microphone for crystal-clear sound quality. The device offers a usable surface of 90.4%, providing users with ample screen real estate for all their multimedia needs.

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 processor, built on a 3nm process for blazing fast performance. The device comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB (NVMe). With an AnTuTu benchmark score of 2239708, the iPhone 17 is a powerhouse capable of handling any task with ease. The device also features a cooling system to prevent overheating during intensive use.

When it comes to photography, the iPhone 17 sports a dual-camera setup with a 48.0MP Sony IMX904 standard camera and a 48.0MP wide-angle + macro camera. The selfie camera is a Sony IMX914 with 18.0MP resolution. The device offers optical stabilization (OIS), 4K video recording, and a variety of other features such as ultra-wide-angle and digital zoom capabilities.

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 17 supports Bluetooth 6.0, dual SIM functionality, NFC, WiFi 6, GPS, and eSIM for added convenience. The device is powered by a 3692mAh battery with 40.0W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.

Moving on to the Samsung Galaxy S26, the latest flagship device from the South Korean tech giant Samsung. Released in February 2026, the Galaxy S26 features a sleek design with an aluminium and glass body. The device boasts a 6.30-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080x2340 (FHD+), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a peak brightness of 2600 cd/m². The screen also supports HDR10+ and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added durability.

In terms of audio, the Galaxy S26 comes equipped with stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio support, and a noise cancellation microphone for immersive sound quality. The device offers a usable surface of 90.4%, providing users with a seamless multimedia experience.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2600 processor, built on a 2nm process for lightning-fast performance. The device comes with 12GB of RAM (LPDDR5X) and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 128GB (UFS Storage 4.1). With an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of 3145925, the Galaxy S26 is a powerhouse capable of handling even the most demanding tasks. The device also features a cooling system to maintain optimal performance levels.

When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S26 features a triple-camera setup with a 50.0MP Samsung GN3 standard camera, a 12.2MP wide-angle lens, and a 10.0MP telephoto lens. The selfie camera boasts 12.0MP resolution for capturing stunning self-portraits. The device offers optical stabilization (OIS), 4K and 8K video recording capabilities, and a variety of other features such as telephoto and ultra-wide-angle capabilities.

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S26 supports Bluetooth 5.4, dual SIM functionality, NFC, WiFi 6, GPS, and eSIM for added convenience. The device is powered by a 4300mAh battery with 25.0W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities.

In conclusion, both the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are top-of-the-line smartphones that offer cutting-edge technology and innovative features. Whether you're a fan of Apple's ecosystem or Samsung's sleek design, these devices are sure to impress with their performance, design, and camera capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and which features are most important to you.

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Brand

Brand Apple Samsung
Aliases A3520 SM-S942B

Release Date

Release date September 2025,
10 months ago
February 2026,
5 months ago
State On Sale On Sale
Market Global Global

Design & Materials

Structure

Apple iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy S26
Apple iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy S26
Size
71.5 mm 149.6 mm 7.8 mm
Print 3D Model
71.7 mm 149.6 mm 7.2 mm
Print 3D Model
Weight 177 g 167 g
Usable surface 90 % 90 %
Materials Aluminium alloy Glass, Aluminium
Resistance IP68 IP68
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Pink
Green
Black
White
Gold
Gray
Violet
Cyan
Rose Gold

Screen

Diagonal 6.3" 6.3"
Type Oled Super Retina XDR AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X +
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Resolution QHD
1206 x 2622 px
FHD+
1080 x 2340 px
Density 458 Pixels per inch 409 Pixels per inch

Others

Others
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • HLG
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Brightnes 1000 cd/m² (typ)
  • Max brightness HBM - 1600 cd/m²
  • Peak brightness - 3000 cd/m²
  • 2000000:1 contrast ratio
  • Always-On Display
  • HDR10+
  • DCI-P3
  • True Tone display
  • Super Retina XDR
  • Dolby Vision
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Ceramic Shield
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Oleophobic (lipophobic) coating
  • Frameless
  • Haptic Touch
  • LTPO (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • 1-120 Hz refresh rate
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Peak brightness - 2600 cd/m²
  • HDR10+
  • DCI-P3
  • DC dimming
  • 10 Bits panel
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless
  • LTPO (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)

User reviews

Is it a drop-resistant and scratch-resistant smartphone?
8.7
--
Do you think it's a nice phone?
9.8
--
Is it comfortable?
9.6
--
Can you see it well in the sunlight?
9.9
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--

Performance & Hardware

Processor

Model Apple A19 Samsung Exynos 2600
CPU 6Core TSMC N3P 2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M
Type Hexa-Core Octa-Core
Manufacturing 3 nm 2 nm
64 Bits Yes Yes

Graphics

GPU 5 core GPU GPU Samsung Xclipse 550

RAM

RAM 8 GB 12 GB
Type -- RAM LPDDR5X

Storage

Capacity 256 GB 256 GB
Type NVMe
UFS Storage 4.1
SD Slot No No

Security

Fingerprint No Yes, in screen

Sensors

Sensors
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Compass
  • Gyroscope
  • Barometer
  • LiDAR Scanner
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Hall
  • Geomagnetic
  • Vibration Motor

Audio

Audio
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers
  • 3 microphones
  • Hi-Res Audio
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers

Others

Notifications LED -- --
Cooling system Yes Yes
Gaming buttons No No

User reviews

Does it have good sound?
9.6
--
Does it work smoothly in everyday use?
10
--
What's your experience been with demanding games?
9.3
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--

Camera

Main

No. of cameras Double rear camera Triple rear camera
1
Camera type

Standard

Standard
Resolution 48 Mpx 50 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 1.6 ƒ/ 1.8
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Sony IMX904 Samsung GN3
Type CMOS ISOCELL
ISO -- --
Pixel size 1.22 µm 1.00 µm
Pixel Binning 1-4 (2x2) 1-4 (2x2)
Sensor size 1/1.56" 1/1.57"
2
Camera type

Wide Angle + Macro

Wide Angle lens
Resolution
48 Mpx
12.2 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.2
ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom
--
--
View angle
--
--
Sensor
Sony IMX972
Sony IMX564
Type
CMOS
CMOS BSI
Pixel size
--
1.40 µm
Pixel Binning
--
--
Sensor size
1/2.55"
1/2.55"
3
Camera type
--

Telephoto lens
Resolution
10 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.4
Optical zoom
--
View angle
--
Sensor
Samsung S5K3K1
Type
CMOS
Pixel size
1.00 µm
Pixel Binning
--
Sensor size
1/3.9"

Features

Flash LED Dual LED
Optical Stabilisation Yes Yes
Slow Motion Video Yes,
240 fps
Yes,
960 fps
Others
  • Cinematic Mode
  • Noise reduction
  • Face unlock
  • Pro Video Mode
  • 4K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Dual camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Ultra stable video
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Continuous autofocus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode
  • UIS
  • Noise reduction
  • Time-Lapse
  • 4K Video
  • 8K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Laser autofocus (LAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode

Selfie

SELF
Camera type

Dedicated

Dedicated
Resolution 18 Mpx 12 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 1.9 ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Sony IMX914 Unknown
Type CMOS CMOS
Pixel size 0.96 µm 1.12 µm
Pixel Binning -- --
Sensor size -- --
Others
--
--

DxOMark Score

DxOMark Score -- --

User reviews

Quality of daytime photos
9.9
--
Quality of nighttime photos
9.0
--
Quality of selfies
9.6
--
Does it have a powerful flash?
9.2
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--

Connectivity

Network compatibility

5G
  • n1 (2100)
  • n2 (1900 PCS)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n12 (700)
  • n20 (800)
  • n25 (1900)
  • n26 (850)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n30 (2300)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n48 (3500)
  • n53 (2400)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n70 (1700)
  • n75 (1500)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
  • n79 (4700)
  • n258 mmWave (26GHz)
  • n260 mmWave (39GHz)
  • n261 mmWave (28GHz)
  • n1 (2100)
  • n2 (1900 PCS)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n12 (700)
  • n20 (800)
  • n25 (1900)
  • n26 (850)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n75 (1500)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
4G LTE
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B26 (850)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B30 (2300)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B34 (TDD 2100)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B42 (TDD 3500)
  • B48 (TDD 3600)
  • B53 (TDD 2400)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B26 (850)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
3G
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
2G
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)

SIM card

Dual SIM Dual Sim Dual Standby Dual Sim Dual Standby
Type
  • Nano SIM / eSIM
  • eSIM
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM / eSIM

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
  • WiFi 6E
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be)
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be)
Others
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi MiMO
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
  • Wi-Fi MiMO

Bluetooth

Version Bluetooth 6.0 LE Low energy consumption Bluetooth 5.4 LE Low energy consumption
Others
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • APT-x
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • APT-x
  • LDAC
  • SBC
  • AAC

Navigation

Navigation
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • QZSS
  • Galileo
  • GPS (L1+L5)
  • BeiDou (B1)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a)
  • NavIC System
  • QZSS (L1 + L5)
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • QZSS
  • Galileo
  • GPS (L1+L5)
  • BeiDou (B1)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a)
  • BeiDou (B2)
  • NavIC System
  • QZSS (L1 + L5)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b)

USB

USB
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 2.0
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB On-The-Go (OTG)
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 3.2

SAR

European measurement

The European Union sets a limit of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 grams of tissue.

-- --
American measurement

The FCC limit is 1.6 W/kg measured in a volume of 1 gram of tissue

-- --

Others

Others
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • UMA
  • VoWiFi
  • eSIM
  • Ultra-wideband (UWB)
  • Satellite SOS connectivity
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • eSIM
  • NFC eSE
  • Satellite SOS connectivity

User reviews

Does it have good coverage for calls?
9.6
--
Quality of the GPS
9.4
--
And the WiFi?
9.6
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--

Battery

Battery

Capacity
3692 mAh
4300 mAh
Type Li-Ion Si-Carbon Li-Ion
Fast charge Yes,
40.0W
Yes,
25.0W
Others
  • Wireless charging
  • Non-removable
  • Bypass Charging
  • Wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Non-removable

User reviews

How long does the battery last?
  • 0%
    Less than half day
  • 7%
    Less than a day
  • 48%
    One day
  • 45%
    More than one day
  • 0%
    Two days or more
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--

Software

Software

Operating System
  • iOS 26
    iOS 26 , 10 months ago
  • Android 16
    Android 16 , 1 year ago
Google Services -- With Google Mobile Services

User reviews

Did it come with preinstalled applications?
  • 14%
    It comes with a clean operating system
  • 86%
    It has preinstalled apps but they don't bother me
  • 0%
    It has preinstalled apps that I can't uninstall
--
Do you regularly receive updates?
  • 3%
    Never
  • 0%
    Once a year
  • 41%
    Every six months
  • 55%
    Every two months or less
--
Number of reviews
29 reviews
--